Edo Lawmakers Backs Okpebholo’s Anti-crime Drive, Passes CCTV Bill

by Idahosa Musa

Members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) have thrown their weight behind Governor Monday Okpebholo’s efforts to combat criminality in the state, as the House yesterday passed the bill seeking to make the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras mandatory in public places and institutions.

The executive bill, which passed first reading in Benin, received overwhelming support from lawmakers, with members present endorsing it by consensus.

The proposed law is aimed at strengthening the state’s crime prevention and surveillance architecture by making the installation of CCTV cameras compulsory in designated public places, institutions and other strategic locations.

Speaking during plenary, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the overwhelming support for the bill demonstrated the lawmakers’ determination to support the governor’s efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Agbebaku said CCTV cameras had become indispensable tools in modern crime prevention and detection, stressing that their deployment would enhance security agencies’ ability to monitor, investigate and combat criminal activities.

The Speaker declared that with the passage of the bill, criminals operating in the state would have more challenges to contend with.

Also during the plenary, the House passed a bill seeking to harmonize and review all existing laws of Edo State into a comprehensive legal compendium.

The bill, which was also given speedy passage by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers, is expected to provide a consolidated and more accessible body of laws for the state.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Roland Otaru, SAN, alongside other principal stakeholders, witnessed the proceedings from the gallery.

Agbebaku said the initiative marked the first time in 10 years that the House had undertaken such a comprehensive review and harmonization of the laws of the state.

He commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as his quest for excellence and demonstrated political will in addressing critical issues affecting the state.

The Speaker thereafter directed that clean copies of the bills be prepared and transmitted to the governor for his assent.
The House adjourned plenary to Monday, August 17.